DECLARATION ON MEETING BETWEEN THE POPE AND PRESIDENT CLINTON

VATICAN CITY, JAN 26, 1999 (VIS) - The following is the joint communique from the White House and the Holy See Press Office following the meeting this afternoon between Pope John Paul II and U.S. President Bill Clinton at St. Louis Airport:

"His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, and President Bill Clinton had a private conversation that lasted about 20 minutes. The president thanked the Pope, on behalf of the American people, for his profound spiritual and moral guidance.

"The president and the Holy Father addressed some of the present challenges to peace and justice around the world and the ways in which mutual cooperation could bring an end to conflict and relief to suffering populations. Coming from Mexico, the Pope emphasized again the great need for continental, indeed global, solidarity, stressing the role of the U.S and its contribution in recent dramatic situations in Central America.

"The president expressed his admiration for the Pope's tireless endeavors to improve the lives of the poor and disadvantaged, especially in developing nations. The Pope stressed the importance of religious freedom, noting with satisfaction the determination of the U.S. to demand and foster this basic freedom.

"He likewise stated his views on other issues affecting human dignity, expressing the hope that the value of the human being will be defended and protected in all circumstances.

"Finally, President Clinton expressed appreciation for the positive role of the Holy See in international affairs and wished the Pope good health as he prepared the Church for the advent of its third millennium. The Holy Father spoke of the leading position of the United States in international matters and reaffirmed that the president and all the leaders of the United States were in his prayers."

Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls said that President Clinton and the Pope discussed the theme of the value of human life during the meeting, and particularly the problem of abortion, on which "the Holy See position is clear."

On international situations, Iraq was also mentioned, and "on this issue the Vatican position is sufficiently clear," added the Holy See Press Office director.

In answer to the question as to why the meeting between the Pontiff and the U.S president only lasted 20 minutes, Navarro-Valls answered that "their positions were truly clear and defined."

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